Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Specialty Marine Stainless Fittings
Posted by modenacart on 04/15/11 - 3:07 PM
#1
Anyone buy any stainless fittings from specialty marine? Are they T and base fittings for rails the same pattern as the OEM?
Thanks,
Josh
Posted by bmw90w on 04/15/11 - 3:26 PM
#2
I have and they are okay. Don't deal with Chris though, his customer service is terrible. Deal with Eric if possible.
Posted by modenacart on 04/15/11 - 3:50 PM
#3
What do you mean by ok?
Posted by bmw90w on 04/15/11 - 5:50 PM
#5
sorry that was vague. I have been very happy with the ones on my rails. Okay is not the best word I apologize. I think for the money they are well worth it.
Posted by modenacart on 04/15/11 - 6:08 PM
#6
Do the holes line up with the new old holes in the rails?
Posted by bmw90w on 04/15/11 - 6:46 PM
#7
They should since they are exact replicas. I bought my rails from them, so those are the ones I was talking about. The others since they are exct replicas should line up just fine. I ordered my outside through bolt fittings from them, and they are perfect.
Posted by DaveL on 04/15/11 - 8:05 PM
#8
I bought one of the plates for a Montauk that secures the bow railing through the side of the hull. It has two female ends and a flat ss surface that shows on the outside of the hull. It didn't last one season before rust started showing through, because it is junk made in China. Too bad we don't make anything in the good old USA any more.
Posted by Mr T on 04/15/11 - 8:17 PM
#9
I bought some and they are very good quality, but not exact match for OEM. One thing I noticed is that the set screws are metric not standard threads. I dropped a few putting the new ones and found out the hard way. I sent them an email asking for clarification if they were metric, and two days later got home and found a package on the front step with a dozen set screws.
Very good service IMO.
Posted by modenacart on 04/15/11 - 8:17 PM
#10
I think I will buy from Sue at Twin city marine. The picture on the specialty marine website doesn't look the same as what I have. I tried to order from CMI but the guy wasn't very nice and his pricing was out of this world.
Posted by zotcha on 04/16/11 - 9:30 AM
#11
I purchased some new bases and stanchions from Fred at CMI in 2005 while refurbishing my 15 Sport, and was very happy dealing with him. Have stood up very well but I believe I purchased polished Stainless Steel, rather than factory chrome over brass.(?).
Only problem is I was not aware at the time, that 316 grade SS is far superior to crap SS screws at the big box stores. Trust me. All hardware for second 15 is 316 from Ace Hardware, and yes, more expensive. But you can easily compare the difference.
I liked Fred and am trying to muster up the cash for SS bow eye and stern cleats. I believe its made in Hingham, Mass., and I'd rather give my business to the Mom and Pop shops still around. I don't care if he is not internet savy. He answers the phone and tells you like it is. I respect that. Just my .02, for whatever thats worth anymore. Best of luck. zot.
Posted by Paulsv on 04/16/11 - 6:54 PM
#12
Who is CMI? Anybody have a link?
Posted by Tom W Clark on 04/16/11 - 6:58 PM
#14
CMI is CMI Marine Products in Weymouth, MA.
Really, it is Fred Caldwell. Call him on the phone; he does not do email.
781-337-0733